Durability of Limited Edition Scales

[SirVicaLot]

I am planning to get a few limited edition SAKs (like the Christmas one) and then switch their scales to my carries, like the Handyman.

My question is if those LE scales are as durable as the regular red ones, or is the design just printed on and will come off with pocket wear?

[nate j]

I haven't experienced this first-hand, but my understanding is that the LE designs are generally just applied by screen-printing (or similar process).  So the expectation would be that the LE designs would be somewhat less durable/more susceptible to pocket wear than the standard red scales.

[SirVicaLot]

Thanks Nate! Guess then I will have to look into other options. Found some nice Ti scales already, but they are so expensive 

[Wspeed]

I have been interested in getting the Titanium scales
Yes they are more expensive but they are very strong 

[nate j]

I would love to see Vic bring back the engine-turned SS scales, and offer them on more models.  Durable and beautiful.

[SirVicaLot]

  Or just different scale options in general.

[PitCarver]

It certainly would be nice if Victorinox could figure out a way to protect the design on the LE scales.
Got these in a Handyman's special, on eBay and wanted to rebuild the MiniChamp and have the mountains are calling scales.  I carry it in my EDC bag.

[Wspeed]

Cool scales PC

[Barry Rowland]

 

[SirVicaLot]

  +1 Those would be nice on the 91mm as well 

[PitCarver]

Got several coats of clear matt finish on them to help protect the image.

Only a last ditch effort, but I consider it a bonus, for what I paid.

[kamakiri]

I am planning to get a few limited edition SAKs (like the Christmas one) and then switch their scales to my carries, like the Handyman.

My question is if those LE scales are as durable as the regular red ones, or is the design just printed on and will come off with pocket wear?

Depends which Christmas year/version.  For example, the 2018 Sportsman has a stainless inlay tree, and (I think) the 2017 snowflake and the color designs are printed.

[SirVicaLot]

Oh, that makes it even more difficult to decide which one 

Is there any indication which technique was used or do I just need to go case by case?

[spudley112]

Speaking of durability, I have to say, cellidor constantly surprises me with its durability.

[nate j]

Is there any indication which technique was used or do I just need to go case by case?

Someone may come up with a counter-example, but all the inlays I have seen are plain stainless steel (e.g. the aforementioned 2018 Christmas Sportsman, Space Shuttle, Battle Series).  So, I think it's a good bet that any full-color scale decorations are screen-prints.  Also, if a knife has an inlay, this is usually noted in the seller's description.

[SirVicaLot]

Thanks Nate!